Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical Lark Rise to Candleford trilogy is known and loved the world over for its gentle depiction of rural life in Oxfordshire in the late 19th century, a way of life that was soon to vanish forever as mechanisation took over farming. In the final book, Laura in her early teens moves to the village of Candleford Green, to work in the post office under the tutelage of her cousin Dorcas Lane, and grow into womanhood. She loves her work and enjoys interacting with the people around her but still pines for the open spaces and freedom of Lark Rise.
